Man with seven brain tumours to be granted wedding wish

THE MACKAY community has been generous helping a couple wanting to marry.

Tanya Bennett and Colin Patullo have been together for 12 years. When Mr Patullo was found to have seven brain tumours and diagnosed with stage four lung cancer a year ago, their world turned upside down.

Doctors have given Mr Patullo two years to live, so the couple has decided to marry this year.

Ms Bennett was moved to tears when a large amount of cash, a dress, shoes, a cake, a bouquet and more was donated to the family following a Facebook post asking for help by her sister Carolyn Walker.

Ms Bennett said the family went through a tough time.

"The chemo isn't working," she said.

"It is only extending Colin's life, instead of curing him.

"Every day we are hoping for a miracle."

Ms Bennett said she was in denial for a long time.

"I didn't want this to be my reality," she said.

"But we've decided now is the right time to get married."

In November, the couple's children - Arden Bennett, Tyson Bennett and Tre Patullo - are planning on walking Ms Bennett down the isle.

Ms Bennett said the wedding wasn't going to be traditional.

"For us it's about coming together as a family," she said.

"We've had someone offer us a Harley to ride us around on for the wedding.

"People have just been so generous. I want to say thank you to the Mackay community."

Mr Patullo said he was trying to remain positive.

"For now it's better to get married sooner rather than later," he said.

"If it's later, it might be too late."

Both Mr Patullo and Ms Bennet are 37.

They knew each other since their childhood.

"When we were 13, we used to hold hands under the fence," Mr Patullo said.